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John Gaffaney Obituary
Gaffaney, who was born in Williston, N.D., had served in the Navy and later the California National Guard as a younger man, his family said. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he tried to sign up again for military service. Although the Army Reserves at first declined, he got the call about two years ago asking him to rejoin, said his close friend and co-worker Stephanie Powell.
"He wanted to help the boys in Iraq and Afghanistan deal with the trauma of what they were seeing," Powell said. "He was an honorable man. He just wanted to serve in any way he can."
His family described him as an avid baseball card collector and fan of the San Diego Padres who liked to read military novels and ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Gaffaney supervised a team of six social workers, including Powell, at the county's Adult Protective Services department. Ellen Schmeding, assistant deputy director for the county's Health and Human Services Agency, said Gaffaney was a strong leader.
He is survived by a wife and a son.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
77 Entries
Richard Gilbert LCSW
February 29, 2024
A very good man with whom I briefly worked. An honor, truly, to have known him.
CPT Sue Graler
November 6, 2014
Remembering our Hero John !
CPT Gaffaney and LT Graler at AMEDD OBC
CPT Sue Graler
December 10, 2013
Every year at this time I honor CPT John Gaffaney with a donation in his name to Returning Heroes Home in San Antonio TX. Our 2008 AMEDD Officer Basic Course made a class gift to Returning Heroes Home and so I find it a good tribute to donate in his honor every year. CPT Gaffaney and I were battle buddies during some of the OBC training. I think if him often AND always when there is mention of our fallen heroes. CPT John Gaffaney will not be forgotten.
With utmost respect and remembrance,
Robert
December 10, 2013
Just as no man has power over the spirit or can restrain the spirit, so no one has power over the day of death. Just as no one is discharged during a war, so wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm. (Ecclesiastes 8:8,9). John is no doubt missed and our prayers still go out to all the victims especially the families affected by this tragic loss.
How you can show support
Shasta Ely
October 8, 2011
Sir,
It has been almost two years since I last saw you. I never got a chance to tell you how incredibly heroic you were, and how much respect and admiration I have for you. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you or your Family. Typing this brings tears to my eyes, it has taken me this long to write this, but your memory lives on. I will not ever forget you, and what a great man you were. I wish I could speak with your Family and let them know I was with you until the end, and that words cannot express or describe the emotion I feel to this day. What you stood for still remains, and I will Honor your memory until my last breath. You are truly a Hero, this I will NEVER FORGET. May you rest in Peace, and know that you and your Family are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Larry Crawford
September 6, 2011
John I never had the honor of meeting you and only just recently have learned about your heroism.
I am now engaged to a friend of yours that you met in California shortly before coming to Ft. Hood. Her name is BarBara Whorley "BB" and she worked with you teaching you several techniques for you to use in working with the Soldiers during your deployment and afterwards. She just recently found out about your heroic efforts to save others lives here on Ft. Hood on that unbelievable day.
We hope to have her move here and be able to work on Ft. Hood reaching out to the Troops and their Families. I explained to her that she is taking over for you here and that your looking down and approve of how she has committed her life to helping our Troops and their Families.
Thank You John for being such an incredible role model to our Troops and for making the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow Troops.
God Bless You and Your Family!!
raul diaz
May 30, 2011
john, it has been 1 1/2 years now since you charged that attacker with a chair in your last act of selfless service. you gave your life in an attempt to subdue his attack. you bravely faced that enemy with no hesitation...a true american soldier. i have missed your presence at the 113th every time we go to drill or trainings, but i know you are with us still, in spirit. i proudly wear your memorial bracelet and hold it out when people ask, then i tell them about cpt john gaffaney, who i proudly served with and who made the ultimate sacrifice in that battlefield that day on our very soil, ft hood, texas. godspeed, john, from myself and all of us at the 113th, past, present and future. maj raul diaz
Michael Lounsbury
November 7, 2010
Rest in Peace John. I just now a year later learned of your passing. You are a man of the highest caliber and will never be forgotten.
Race Dulin
December 28, 2009
I would like to say how much I respected John. I had the pleasure of being in the same platoon during Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sam Houston. He was a fun guy and we spoke often over those few weeks. We talked about many different things, but I remember why he wanted to serve. This dedication that he showed the rest of us plays a large role in why I love doing what I do. Thank you John, see you on the other side.
CPT Chris LaFreniere
December 2, 2009
I did not know John but we both have something in common, prior Navy and both being Captains in our 50's. I read much about John and believe he was a great guy. God Bless him and his family.
charles-Pat Ridge
November 28, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for Johns service to our country. May God comfort your family.
Cindy Sloan Youngman
November 20, 2009
I went to school with John in Williston, ND and his family lived near ours. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.
Jenise Ross Dougherty
November 20, 2009
Family and friends,
At a age when most are planning retirement, John Gaffaney was focused on fighting for our continued freedom and the freedom of other lands. A nation mourns with you in the loss of your loved one. We are grateful for his service to our country.
Christina Rudolph, 2LT
November 18, 2009
With deepest condolences...
COURTNEY
November 16, 2009
I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DID.
1. JOINING THE MILITARY
2. FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES AND
3. AND PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY
I COULD NEVER BE THAT BRAVE TO DO THAT.
BUT YOU MIGHT WELL SAY I WILL HAVE TO.
SEEMD LIKE WHERE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGHT EVEN IN OUR OWN COUNTRY.
HER AND HER FAMILY IS IN OUR PRAYERS INCLUDING EVERYONES WHOS STILL OVERSEAS AND THOSE WHO WERE STRUCK AT FORT HOOD.
THANK YU AND GOD BLESS
kristin s
November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.Although I am a complete stranger but You are a hero and will be missed greatly.Thanks for fighting for our country.
Jacqueline Hom
November 15, 2009
For the last 2 years, I worked with John on the U.S. Repatriation Program, which brings back Americans in need of assitance from overseas. He was the San Diego coordinator. I last spoke with John two months ago when he said that he was leaving his job to be deployed overseas. I had the opportunity to thank him for serving our country. John was a dedicated social worker who brought integrity and compassion to all the cases he worked on. I truly admire him for his love of country and am much saddened by his tragic loss. My prayers and condolences to his family in their great loss. John was a very special man.
Henry Tarke
November 15, 2009
My deep condolences to the family of John. I worked with John for 10 years at the North Central Mental Health Clinic in San Diego. During that time, John provided mental health services to persons with serious mental illness. His kindness and professionalism stood out among the staff. His opinion always mattered to me.
A colleague recently told me how John had once taught her a life lesson. She told how John had spoken with her years ago about how beautiful it was that we had people from many cultures living in this country and how it made our nation great. She told me that his words had changed for the positive a long held attitude toward people from other countries.
After John died, another colleage told me that John had spoken to her a month ago and my name had come up. He mentioned having me in high regard. I had not seen John very much in the past years with only occassional contacts yet his words meant so much to me. Praise sometimes comes up at the strangest of times.
I will forever remember John and am grateful he touched my life.
Mike Bentz
November 15, 2009
John and I were coworkers for the County of San Diego. He was my supervisor with Adult Protective Services. On behalf of the entire APS unit, John will forever be missed.
BarBara Whorley
November 14, 2009
John called me after seeing Tom Stone on the news about our Heal the Invisible Wounds of War program. He wanted to know about how we help resolve ptsd in active duty military and vets. I met him at the informational meeting, he was so interested and ready to take this information to the guys and gals who needed it most. We discussed training via skype when he was overseas. What a wonderful man with such a big heart. He mentioned his family and how much he loved them. He so wanted to make a difference in every one he mets life. And He did. I will always remember him. Blessings to all of his family. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Lori and Doug
November 14, 2009
Were thinking of you at this time and offering our thoughts and prayers.
BEHOLD THE LAMB MINISTRIES
November 14, 2009
To The Family Of JOHN GAFFANEY:
The members and Staff at Behold The Lamb Ministries would like to take this moment to send our prayers to you and ask that The Great God of this Universe will carry you through this storm. We were saddened to learn of the incidents that occurred at Fort Hood.
We want you to know that "since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour's life on earth, we see "God with us." "[DOA, by EGW] We know that sorrow and pain and are all in the "present tense". We pray that the person responsible will ask for forgiveness we pray that we as humans will forgive the person responsible. "The work of redemption will be complete. In the place where sin abounded, God's grace much more abounds. The earth itself, the very field that Satan claims as his, is to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here, where the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; where the King of glory lived and suffered and died,--here, when He shall make all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, "and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift,---"[DOA,by EGW]
As we approach the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas we know that your pain may be greater due to your Loved One's absence. We will be praying with and crying in our hearts. We welcome any prayer request that you may have not only today but in the coming weeks, months and years. We will listen, we will cry with you and we will present all petition before the throne of Christ.
WE LOVE YOU IN CHRIST.
BEHOLD THE LAMB MINISTRIES - 2313 NORTH PARK - HERRIN, ILLINOIS 62948 - 618-942-5044.
SFC Dana Taylor (Ret)
November 14, 2009
I spent many years working with John in the California National Guard. I always knew him as a man with a great heart that never stopped giving. We had many good times and laughs in the dark of night in the desert at Fort Irwin. We visited at the regemental reunions. He will be missed. My wife Blair and I pray for John and his family. He will be missed and he will also serve as a standard in life.
Matt M.
November 14, 2009
God bless this Hero and his family in this time of sadness. Thank you for your sacrifice that allows us to live free.
November 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Geraldine Flaven
November 13, 2009
My memory of John is that of an honorable and modest man, a knowledgeable and down-to-earth person, a caring and cared-for leader. It has been seven years since we worked together. His commitment to service to others is now evident in the patriotism and valor with which he chose to return to active military duty.
My sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
Gerrie Flaven
Marcie Hanna
November 13, 2009
Peace be with during this very sad time. I had the pleasure of working with John while we served together on the Senior Team, Aging & Independence Services, County of San Diego. Lots of memories have been flooding back over the last week. What a wonderful clinician, colleague and asset to the work that we do on behalf of frail and vulnerable older people. Love and prayers to his beloved wife and son.
Georgiana Hale
November 13, 2009
Thank you so much for having the strength to allow your loved one to fight for my freedom, and that of my friends and family. I am sorry at the circumstance in which he was taken, just remember that he died a hero, and his memory stays alive forever in your hearts. God Bless
Randy and Anna
November 13, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are extended and we will never forget.
Lois Redka
November 13, 2009
Our prayers are for you! I can not imagine what you are feeling. We are thankful for Johns service to our country.
John 14:1-4 That's it!
Regina Bishop
November 12, 2009
I have prayed for your strength and comfort through God, our Father as you, John's family and friends, face this difficult time in life. I had the opportunity to represent the County of San Diego at an event last Sunday. So many people stopped by our table to say kind words about John. It was such a blessing to see how many lives he touched. Thank you, John, for your willingness to serve our country whole-heartedly.
Michelle Easley
November 12, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rachel Farler
November 12, 2009
RIP
~Farler Family
Veneitta
November 12, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family of John Gaffaney. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rachel Farler
November 12, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thankyou for serving our country. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lisa Backer
November 12, 2009
My deepest condolences to John's family. John was my colleague and friend. I was fortunate to work with him some time ago. A hero in all ways: a humanist, patriot, healer, and wonderful soul. His death is a significant loss to our country and county. Rest in peace, John.
Dr. Lisa (Sr. Team, 13 yrs ago)
LTC Bob Solley
November 12, 2009
My sympathies go out to John's family and friends. I trained with him at Camp Parks and the 113th Medical Company. I was supposed to be with him at Fort Hood, but unfortuately my orders cancelled at the last minute. John was truly an outstanding person who loved his family deeply. I am so sorry about what happened to him.
Heather Erickson
November 12, 2009
I didn't know John. On Tuesday morning in Fargo, ND I encountered his sister on her way to his funeral. I was moved to express my deepest sympathy to her for her loss. You don't realize the true impact of tragedies of this kind until you come face to face with a family member. I have been thinking about her and her brother's family every since. My heart goes out to your family and all those who are dealing with this terrible loss.
"The Lord watch between ye and thee while we are apart one from another"
Evita Castro
November 11, 2009
Christine,
Our hearts & prayers are with you and your son Matthew at this time of sorrow. I was so heart broken when I heard what happen to John and all I have been thinking about is you & how much you talked so highly of your husband John and the time I finally met him he had just the biggest smile upon his face, one you can never forget. If there is anything at all I can do for you to help out at this time please do not hesitate to call me. God Bless you and your family.
Ashley Johnson
November 11, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with John almost every time he came into the Padres Ticket Office during the 2009 season. When I learned of his deployment I asked that he keep in touch and I looked forward to hearing about his experiences overseas. He was such a great guy and will be missed more than anyone can imagine. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
St. Ferdinand Church - Comfort Blanket Ministry
November 11, 2009
We share your sorrow, and hope it will comfort you to know that many hearts reach out to you in sympathy and love.
May the soul of John Gaffaney, through the mercy of God, continue his journey to a new life in the presence of God in the heavenly kingdom.
Charles H. Miranda
November 11, 2009
=======================================
Follow The Rainbow To Heaven.
=======================================
A Soldier had die out on the
battlefield;
Broken hearts are weeping For
Them,
But take comfort of knowing
that God had sent Them a
rainbow from heaven;
The Souls of the Soldiers
have gone to there home
in heaven,
Our Loved One's has follow
God's lovely rainbow in the
sky;
All the way to the end of the
sky.
That leads all the way to the
other end of the Lord's
house in heaven,
So just keep on praying and
trust that God will send us
that same rainbow in the sky;
Where Our Loved One's are
waiting For You and For Me at
the end of the rainbow in
heaven.
=======================================
Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
============================
David Gaffan
November 11, 2009
I would like to offer my condolences to all of John Gaffaney's family, friends,colleagues and comrades.
From his photograph I can tell the kind of man he was. I know there are many more. Thank God.
ex British Infantry Officer
Brian Gaffaney
November 11, 2009
"...one of the last conversations I had with him was about how much he loved his wife, son and family."
"He was always trying to think of better ways to help folks"
Unfortunately our paths never crossed, but I know John through those two quotes from his close friends.
The greatness of a man such as John will never pass... he lives on in so many ways.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, son, family, and friends. May he rest in peace.
Cheri Eastman
November 11, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
November 10, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Gaffaney family. John was a kind and caring man and he will be sorely missed. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you peace and many blessings.
Sheila Kievit
November 10, 2009
Dear Christine,
You have been in my thoughts every day, recalling many good memories and thinking over the years we worked together and the times John joined us for the various goings on. I so admired the closeness you two had and cannot begin to fathom the loss you feel.
No words can express my wishes for you and Matthew and for the comfort I hope will eventually come from the support of family and friends.
God bless you.
Love,
Sheila Kievit (SDOASC)
Patty Weingart
November 10, 2009
Dear Christine,
Please accept my most sincere sympathy in the loss of your John. Words cannot do justice to the sadness and the void you have with this loss. May he rest in peace and may you find some comfort in the many years you were together with this remarkable man.
With love,
Patty Weingart Diaz (your old co-worker from San Diego Out-Patient)
Max&Sherry Jackdon
November 10, 2009
Our prayers are with you at this time.May the Lord of Heaven bless and keep you until the great reunion day.
Avery and Debby
November 10, 2009
To our close friend, John's sister, Michele--we wish we were with you and Vance now to touch you and share your pain. Your little brother put himself in harm's way at an age when few others would have done the same. The loss of this fine man diminishes us all.
Shirley&Jerry Murphy
November 10, 2009
May God be with you all through this great loss. He was a hero to us all
Belinda Shaw
November 10, 2009
My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this VERY trying time. Bless you.
A Friend
November 9, 2009
Capt John Gaffaney, you are a true hero. God bless you, God bless your family and God bless America. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in eternal peace.
Earl & Gale Dyer
November 9, 2009
Thank you for your service. Our condolences to the family.
DORIS ROLLINS
November 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 8, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers to the family of John Gaffaney. I knew his sister Joan when I lived in Williston.
Ms Bea
November 8, 2009
Thoughts of sympathy are with you at this time of sorrow. Almighty God heals the broken hearted. Psalms 147:3 My condolences to you.
Chad and Amy Kelsch
November 8, 2009
A true American hero who died in the line of duty serving his country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's immediate family.
Ruthie Benjamin
November 8, 2009
So sad to hear of the loss of such a great man, a true humanitarian. It is indeed a big loss to family and friends and to all of those he gave comfort to as well through his service. My condolences and wishes for peace to all family and friends of this courageous soul.
cheryl spraker
November 8, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LTC Miny Wilkes
November 8, 2009
I met CPT Gaffaney when he came to my office in Los Alamitos a few months ago. He was kind and brought us chocolate as a thankful gesture for helping him in the Army Reserve. He was very good officer and looked forward to his deployment and helping fellow servicemembers. My prayers are with your family.
Liz Langarica
November 7, 2009
To The Family of Capt. John Gaffaney,
May every new tomorrow softly ease your sorrow. Sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Christopher deBree
November 7, 2009
I'm so sorry for your loss...
Prayers are with you
Crystal Clark & Family
November 7, 2009
To the family and friends of Mr. Gaffaney, our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May God grant you peace in this time of sorrow.
JoEllyn Chadwick
November 7, 2009
To the family of Capt. John Gaffaney:
I am sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep your family lifted in prayer during this most difficult time. Praying you through, JoEllyn Chadwick [Army Mom].
Robert Stanton
November 7, 2009
God Bless our Hero.
David Reiss, M.D.
November 7, 2009
With deepest sadness and condolences.
We will always remember John's kindness and caring.
Former co-workers at Alvarado Hospital,
David and Cynthia Reiss, RN
CW3 Fred and Elisia Hodges
November 7, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
1Sgt Joe Waters (ret)
November 7, 2009
May God bless and comfort the Gaffaney Family in this time of loss. John.....thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in Peace my fellow soldier.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
November 7, 2009
REST IN PEACE
SHIRLEY DONEY
November 6, 2009
REST IN PEACE JOHN, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU JOHN
Carie C.
November 6, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Roland Godwin
November 6, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Dewayne S.
November 6, 2009
Rest in peace, God Bless You!
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